In two security incidents, incorrect numbers of boxes or pallets of explosives were delivered to mine sites, and inadequate reconciliation against consignment documentation resulted in a “reportable situation” as defined under section 9 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004.
In the first incident, six boxes of detonators were consigned for delivery to a mine site but only five boxes arrived, as identified in a subsequent stocktake. The transport company alerted all of its Western Australian depots to the missing item, which was eventually located in another location. Further investigation revealed that the company transporting the explosives was a subcontractor and unaware of security requirements.
In the second incident, a routine stock check of a mine site explosives magazine revealed that 16 cases (one pallet) of explosives were missing. The supplier was contacted and a stock check at the point of vehicle loading confirmed that the correct number of pallets was loaded as per the consignment order. The missing pallet of explosives was found on the vehicle — the driver had forgotten to unload it.
Credit should be given in both incidents to the personnel conducting the stocktake. The accuracy of the stocktake allowed the inconsistencies to be identified and appropriate action to be taken.